Living Peacefully; 10 Best Tips for Finding Peace on Earth

From Superwoman to Seeking Peace

I'll never forget the day I was carried away from work in an ambulance. It was scary, embarrassing, and eye-opening. As I reflect upon that life-changing event, nine years after the fact, I realize it is worth sharing, as it was the turning point, the precipice, the major event that made me realize I needed a change.

 At the time, I was a young twenty-something, full of ambition, with a can-do attitude. Barbie had nothing on me because, in my mind, I could be anything. I could do anything, and I believed it.

Ambitious is an understatement. I was the true-to-life poster child of an overachiever. With a critical mother-in-law, a mom who never seemed impressed, and an ever-waxing and waning self-esteem, I had a lot to prove, and so I did it all. I worked a basic office job while attending school part-time in pursuit of my psychology degree. I was a gym rat, striving for the "perfect" body and optimal health, maintaining my happy marriage to my high school sweetheart, mothering my four small children, keeping the house clean, and volunteering at the nearby elementary school. I was doing it all.

 I'd be lying if I told you that it was hard to maintain because it wasn't. Being superwoman came easy to me, and the support of my husband made it even easier to manage. But the reality is that the load I was carrying wasn't sustainable long-term.

 It was finals week, and I'd been studying hard to pass my stats 2 course. I love math, and I knew that I would do well, but doing well just wasn't good enough. I needed a perfect score, and the only way to achieve that was to pull an all-nighter, study hard, and push my way through it. Never mind the fact that I'd spent a full hour in the gym after a full eight-hour work shift. I was committed to cramming to make sure I received a perfect 100% on my exam. And so, with no more food than a couple of salads and a green smoothie in my belly, I downed a Red Bull and hit the books. The sun set, and in what felt like an hour or so, the sun rose again. I prepared myself for work and drove the 20-minute drive to my Walt Disney World office. No sleep, no rest, just an extra-large coffee and a tank full of ambition.

 It was my ambition that fueled me. I didn't need sleep. I didn't need food. I didn't need God. I only needed to work hard to earn the respect of the woman whose opinion mattered most to me. In that moment, nothing else mattered.

 I took to my desk and began to work as usual—answering calls, responding to emails, solving problems—while simultaneously working on my thesis for my abnormal psychology final. On zero sleep. Then, I felt my heart begin to race, my vision faded, and nausea took over me. I thought for sure that I was going to pass out. I stood up quickly and ran to the restroom, where I laid down on a couch to catch my breath. I could not breathe.

 Luckily for me, a good friend and co-worker came rushing in to check on me and immediately called 911. I'm glad she did. With my blood pressure sky-high and heart irregularities, I was rushed immediately to the emergency room. Hours later, I was fine. The diagnosis? Anxiety. It was suggested at that moment that I begin to make changes in my life—changes that would help me seek out peace and relaxation, and that’s exactly what I did.

 I must admit that the road to finding peace on Earth was not a straightforward one. There were plenty of trials and tribulations along the way, but after nine years of trying everything from yoga to marijuana and everything in between, I am happy to share with you my ten best tips for living a peaceful life.

1. Deepen Your Spiritual Life

"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." - 1 Chronicles 16:11

 The first step is to deepen your spiritual life. Embark on a lifelong journey to discover God and uncover the hidden treasures along the way. Deepening your spiritual life can be approached in various ways. Begin with prayer, reading Scripture (your Bible), attending Mass, and embracing the sacraments. From there, seek the wisdom of the saints and explore ancient Church history. Treat this journey like an endless treasure hunt that nurtures your spiritual growth every step of the way.

2. Practice Forgiveness

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13

 One of the easiest ways to live a peaceful life is to practice forgiveness, and to practice it often. Forgiveness is the intentional act of letting go of resentment and anger toward someone who has wronged you. This act brings about peace because it allows you to live without the burden of these negative emotions, which have the power to create chaos within your spirit.

When you forgive, you are not excusing the harmful actions of others. Instead, you are choosing to heal and grant yourself the freedom to live in peace. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself, allowing you to release the hold that past hurts have on your present and future.

It’s important to remember that forgiveness is not just about others. It also applies to yourself. Give yourself permission to forgive your own mistakes and shortcomings. Self-forgiveness is a crucial step towards inner peace and self-acceptance. By forgiving both yourself and others, you pave the way for a more serene and harmonious life.

3. Set Boundaries

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." - Proverbs 4:23

 Proverbs 4:23 informs us that everything you do flows from your heart. For this reason, it is imperative that you guard it. Guarding your heart does not mean building a wall between yourself and others, but rather being discerning about what you allow to influence you. This means being mindful of the company you keep, how you allow others to treat you, and even the media you consume. All these factors can have immediate and lasting effects on your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

When you guard your heart, you are actively choosing to surround yourself with positive influences. This includes focusing on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and gracious, as advised in Philippians 4:8. By doing so, you nurture a heart that is resilient and filled with peace, enabling you to lead a life that reflects these virtues. Surrounding yourself with positive influences helps you maintain a healthy heart, which is essential for living a life that is not only fulfilling but also in alignment with your values and faith.

4. Journal your Journey and Read the Journals of Those Before You

"Write down, therefore, what you have seen, and what is happening, and what will happen afterwards." - Revelation 1:19

 One of the greatest gifts on Earth is discovering the wisdom left behind by saints, theologians, philosophers, and ordinary people of ancient eras. These philosophical heroes not only kept thorough records of their life journeys and everything they learned along the way, but they also shared their journals, making their wisdom available to anyone willing to listen for generations to come.

The first individual who comes to mind is Saint Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun who meticulously documented her walk with Christ from a very early age until her death. Through her extensive journals, many of us have discovered hidden treasures in her journey, gaining profound insights and wisdom to guide our own walks with Christ. Her writings have become a beacon of spiritual light, illuminating the path for countless believers.

What better way to pay it forward than to journal your own journey? Journaling has a way of sorting out all of life's little difficulties while culminating a sense of peace. While there is nothing wrong with using a journal to explore and express your emotions, I implore you to journal your spiritual journey as well. Instead of merely writing about your frustrations, try documenting new prayers you've discovered, moments of gratitude, instances of spiritual enlightenment, and all the little insights you gain along the way.

Write letters to Our Father in Heaven, and most importantly, write in a way that is worth sharing with those who will walk the Earth long after you are gone. By doing so, you create a legacy of wisdom and faith that can inspire and guide future generations. Wisdom is always worth sharing, and your journey may become a source of strength and encouragement for others, just as the writings of saints like Saint Faustina have been for us.

5. Embrace True Femininity

"Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." - Proverbs 31:30

 Embracing true femininity is a source of peace that is often overlooked and deeply misunderstood in today's society.

Current American culture influences women to reject traditional femininity and instead pursue paths that often lead to chaos, stress, and deep inner turmoil. Women today are frequently encouraged to delay settling down into marriage and instead engage in promiscuity. They are told to postpone having children or forgo motherhood altogether in favor of climbing the corporate ladder. Those who do choose motherhood are often pressured to juggle a double role as both mommy and employee, leaving little room for rest and self-care.

Young women are also led to believe that dressing immodestly is the key to success, when in reality, it often leads to objectification and a lack of self-respect. This toxic cultural narrative fails to reveal that these choices frequently result in frustrations that cannot be resolved, even through years of therapy, expensive vacations, or bottles of prescription drugs.

Whether society acknowledges it or not, women were masterfully created and designed to nurture children, support their husbands, and maintain the home. Embracing this God-given role does not mean abandoning personal ambitions or ignoring one's talents. Instead, it means recognizing the unique strengths and capabilities inherent in true femininity.

Living in alignment with these values can bring profound peace and fulfillment. It allows women to create a harmonious and nurturing environment for their families, fostering love and stability. By embracing modesty, women can reclaim their dignity and self-worth, showing that true beauty and strength lie in character and virtue, not in revealing clothing or superficial achievements.

In a world that often values the temporary and superficial, embracing traditional femininity offers a path to lasting peace and joy. It is a return to the natural order, where women can find satisfaction in their unique roles, contribute meaningfully to their families and communities, and live a life of true purpose and fulfillment.

6. Gain a True Understanding of Suffering

Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:10

 Suffering, whether spiritual, physical, mental, or emotional, is an inevitable part of life. While this simple fact doesn't make it any easier to endure, gaining a true understanding of why we suffer can be transformative, enabling us to live more peacefully even in the face of adversity. To truly find peace amidst suffering, it is essential to grasp the profound purpose behind our trials.

Much like a diamond formed under pressure, suffering can bring forth greater spirituality, spiritual gifts, and a deeper closeness to Christ. Though it may not always feel like it, true strength is often born from our struggles. In those perilous moments, it is crucial to focus on the good that emerged from Christ's suffering. Because of His sacrifice, we were saved.

So, why do we suffer? What is the purpose of our pain? As 2 Corinthians 12:10 reminds us, "For when I am weak, then I am strong." Our suffering can become a source of strength when we offer it up to the Lord. By meditating on the sorrowful mysteries and the Seven Sorrows of Mary, we can find solace in knowing that God understands our suffering and walks with us through it.

Change your mindset to view suffering as a necessary path to grow closer to Christ. Embrace it as an opportunity for spiritual growth and transformation. Do your best to smile, persevere through the trials, and trust that through suffering, you are being shaped into a stronger, more spiritually enriched person. Remember, it is in our moments of weakness that God's strength is most powerfully revealed.

7. Serve Others

"As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace." - Peter 4:10

 What are your talents? What are the things, or even the one thing, that you are naturally good at? Take those gifts and use them to serve others. Serve your children, your husband, your community, and your church. Serving others and utilizing your talents within the community is an excellent way to foster peace in your life.

There are countless ways to serve others with your talents. If you are good with children, consider volunteering at a local school or daycare. If you have a knack for knitting or sewing, think about providing handmade blankets or clothing to those in need. Perhaps you have a talent for cooking—consider preparing meals for a local shelter or for families in your church who are going through tough times.

Whatever your talent or talents may be, seek out opportunities to use them to give back to the world. When you serve others, you are not only contributing to the well-being of your community but also serving God. Acts of service can bring joy and fulfillment, strengthening your own sense of purpose and peace.

In using your talents to serve, you create a ripple effect of kindness and love. Your actions inspire others to do the same, building a stronger, more compassionate community. Remember, every talent you possess is a gift from God, and by sharing it with others, you honor Him and fulfill your role as a loving and giving member of His creation.

8. Treat Your Body as The Lords Temple

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body." - 1 Corinthians 6:19 - 20

 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us that our bodies are not our own; they are temples for the Holy Spirit. With this profound knowledge, consider how you would treat the temple that holds the Holy Spirit. Imagine preparing your home for the arrival of royalty—you would likely ensure it is clean, welcoming, and inviting. How much more, then, should we care for our bodies as the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit?

Treating your body as a temple involves both proactive and avoidant measures. On a fundamental level, it means being mindful of what you consume. Are you nourishing yourself with wholesome, nutrient-rich foods, or are you filling your body with junk food laden with additives and harmful substances? Proper nutrition is a vital aspect of honoring your body's sacredness.

Additionally, consider your lifestyle choices. Are you staying active to maintain your health and prevent disease? Physical activity is crucial for keeping your body strong and resilient. Are you moderating your intake of substances like alcohol and avoiding harmful habits? Overindulgence and harmful behaviors can detract from your body's sanctity and health.

Moreover, treating your body as a temple goes beyond physical health. It includes caring for your mental and emotional well-being. Are you engaging in practices that foster peace, joy, and spiritual growth? Are you avoiding toxic environments and relationships that can harm your spirit?

By treating your body as a temple, you honor the Holy Spirit within you. You create a space that reflects the reverence and care befitting a divine dwelling. This holistic approach to self-care not only enhances your physical health but also deepens your spiritual connection, allowing you to live a peaceful life that glorifies God in every aspect.

9. Give Up on Worldly Views

"Think of what is above, not of what is on earth." - Colossians 3:2

 As Christians, we are, of course, living in the world, but we are called to reject worldliness. Interestingly, living in the world, but not of it, cultivates an unmatched sense of peace. Living a worldly life can take on many forms, but to keep it simple, living worldly means rejecting the teachings of Christ and conforming to secular culture.

For women, this might look like rejecting your natural, God-given beauty in pursuit of conventional beauty standards or seeking large, luxurious homes, expensive cars, and designer handbags instead of living a simple, quiet lifestyle. The message of the world is consistent and pervasive, echoing the first lie spoken to Eve in the garden: that you are not good enough and must constantly strive for more.

Rejecting worldly values and embracing simplicity can lead to a peaceful life focused on what is good, pure, and true. This means valuing inner beauty over external appearances, contentment over consumerism, and spiritual fulfillment over material success.

Living a life rooted in Christ’s teachings involves prioritizing virtues like humility, generosity, and compassion over the pursuit of status and wealth. It means finding joy in simple, meaningful moments and fostering deep, authentic relationships rather than chasing superficial accomplishments.

By shifting our focus from worldly desires to spiritual growth, we can experience a profound peace that transcends the temporary satisfaction offered by material possessions and societal approval. This peace comes from knowing we are living in alignment with God's will and embracing the life He has called us to lead.

10. Practice True Love

"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

 I've saved the absolute best for last. Practicing love, as defined in 1 Corinthians 13, is the ultimate way to cultivate peace in your life. Love is the absolute conqueror of all things. Love, in fact, conquered death—how much more so can it conquer the smaller hardships and peace-destroyers of life? When you love others as God loves you, peace becomes an all-encompassing way of life.

Whether your peace is shaken by well-meaning family members, deadlines and work duties, the highs and lows of your most valued relationships, or anything in between, approaching these challenges with the elements of love as defined in 1 Corinthians 13 will restore and cultivate your peace.

In my humble opinion, love being patient is the most powerful of these defining elements. Patience goes a long way in enduring moments of unrest. It is the key to restoring peace, as it reminds us that this too shall pass. Love bears all things and remains hopeful in all situations. It endures all things, and for this reason, practicing true love is the ultimate way to live a peaceful life.

When love is patient, it allows us to approach life's challenges with a calm and steady heart. When love is kind, it softens our interactions and brings gentleness into our relationships. Love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It seeks the best for others and is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs and delights in the truth.

By embodying these qualities, love becomes a force that transforms our lives and the lives of those around us. It helps us to navigate conflicts with grace, to forgive with sincerity, and to persevere with hope. Love is the foundation upon which true peace is built, and it is through love that we can create a harmonious and fulfilling life.

Embracing God’s Peace

 What I lacked in my 20s was a sense of peace. My young, naive, and simplistic trust in the world and its godless ways led me to believe that peace came from sources that could never truly bring it. The world told me that peace came from financial stability, achievable only through earning my college degree. That was a lie. The world told me that peace could be obtained through fitness, which was another blatant lie. It also had me convinced that true peace, as a woman, came from being a boss babe, never depending on a man, or being restricted to just being a wife and mom. That was perhaps the biggest lie of all.

 The false narratives that were pushed on me in my teens and twenties are the same narratives still being pushed on women today. It's the lie that peace and happiness lie within sources that, in all honesty, cultivate chaos. I thank God that through His grace and never-ending guidance, I have found the source of true peace on Earth. He is the source. Living a truly Christian lifestyle is the source of peace. He said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)." I am my own best example of the truth in this Bible verse.

If you find yourself anxiety-ridden, panic-stricken, or downtrodden, I implore you to seek peace not in this world, but in Christ. I'll pray for you, and as always, I ask you to pray for me too.

Your dear friend and sister in Christ,

Sincerely,

Chay Marie

Further Reading

On Deeping your Spiritual Life

. Matthew 17:20

. Luke 17:5-6

. Colossians 2:6-7

. Psalm 42:1-2

. Jeremiah 29:13

. Matthew 5:6

On Forgiveness

. Matthew 6:14 -15

. Matthew 18:21 -22

. Mark 11:25

. Luke 6:37

. Ephesians 4:31-32

. Colossians 3:13

. Matthew 5:7

On Boundaries

. Proverbs 4:23

. Proverbs 25 - 28

. Luke 5:16

. Ephesians 5:11

On Journaling

. Isaiah 30:8

. Revelation 1:19

. Jeremiah 30:20

.Psalms 77:11-12

On Femininity

. Proverbs 31:10 -31

. Proverbs 12:4

. 1 Peter 3:3-4

. Titus 2:3-5

. 1 Timothy 2:9-10

. 1 Corinthians 11:11-12

. Ephesians 5:22-24

On Suffering

. 2 Corinthians 9:7

. James 1:2-4

. Romans 5:3-5

. James 1:2-4

.1 Peter 4:12-13

. 1 Peter 5:10

. Isaiah 43:2

On Serving Others

. 2 Corinthians 9:7

. Peter 4:10

. Philippians 2:4

. Mark 10:45

. Matthew 25:40

. Acts 20:35

On Your Body, The Lord's Temple

. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

.1 Corinthians 3:16-17

. Romans 12:1

. Romans 6:13

On Giving up Worldly Views

. Colossians 3:1-2

. Matthew 6:21

. Romans 12:2

. John 15:4-5

On Love

. 1 John 4:18

. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

. 1 John 4:7-8

. John 15:12-13

. Colossians 3:14

. 1 john 4:19-21

. Ephesians 4:2

. Romans 13:8-10

. Galatians 5:22-23